Educational Media Reviews Online

There’s undoubtedly novelty to In Country’s exploration of the men who spend one weekend of the year re-enacting the Vietnam War. At times, the film by Mike Attie and Meghan O’Hara fascinates. But even at 80 minutes, it often feels padded, especially when focusing on the re-enactment itself. This play acting detracts from the more interesting aspects of the story which don’t get enough screen time. In Country also splices in news footage from the actual war which adds valuable context but also reduces the amount of time the main characters spend on-screen.

The members of the group comprise a Vietnam veteran, a member of the South Vietnamese army, Iraq War veterans, and some men who have no war experience. Although the film touches on their motivations for joining the re-enactment, it leaves the viewer wanting more. Especially fascinating are the men who most recently served in war who fall somewhere outside the nostalgia of the Vietnam veterans and the curiosity of the battle novices.

In Country feels like a missed opportunity, but it does provide just enough insight to make it worthwhile to anyone interested in the aftermath of the Vietnam conflict or issues related to returning home after a war experience.